The vote is estimated to be about 3% higher than in the last presidential election in 1997 but 20% lower than in the Republic's general election in February.

It marks the end of a turbulent campaign in which the candidates' pasts, particularly Martin McGuinness's role as an IRA commander during the Troubles, came under intense scrutiny.

Just over 3.1m people are entitled to vote in the election. Polls closed at 10pm on Thursday across the Republic. The count will begin at 9am BST on Friday morning with the result expected over the weekend.

The turnout ranged from under 40% in the west of Ireland to over 50% in Greater Dublin.

A record seven candidates are contesting the election. Mary McAleese stood unopposed for her second term in 2004.